5 Unexpected Ways to Improve Your Focus When Writing

Do you struggle to maintain focus when you’re writing? Maybe your outline is stellar or you’ve done a similar project plenty of times before. For whatever reason, your brain just can’t seem to focus.

You’re distracted, fatigued (or both), and can't seem to have any mental stamina or clarity. If you’re drawing a blank on what to do and feel you’ve tried just about everything, don’t worry. There are options outside of what you might typically consider to keep your brain creative and your body happy. As a bonus, these tips aren’t writing specific. 

Wait a minute. Writing tips that aren’t even about writing? How is that a bonus?  

They’re transferable.  You can use them for whatever you choose to do with your time. Whether you’re proofreading a paper, editing a story, or powering through housework, they’ll be effective. 

Time Blocking That Suits You

You may have heard of time blocking before with 2 hour blocks or 1 hour blocks. But have you tried time blocking in a way that works for you? Don’t do 30 minutes, 1 hour, or 2 hour blocks just because someone said it works for them. Experiment and determine which method works best for you. I’ve found that 45 minutes of work with 15 breaks or 2 hour power focus sessions are best for my work style. For me, writing for 4 hours straight increases the likelihood of burnout. 

Unsure about using time blocking? Be patient with yourself. In time you’ll find what’s comfortable and productive. Working 8 hours a day with a 1 hour lunch is not intuitive for most people. If you have flexibility with your schedule, give time blocking a try. You’ll be able to improve your focus without the feeling of burnout or pressure.

Herbal Tea or Naturally Caffeine Free Drinks

Hold on. So you’re telling me that in order to be productive, I need to have less caffeine? But I get so much done already!

 Not quite, but I’m telling you it’s worth a try. If you’re the type of person who responsibly drinks caffeine and has an adequate amount of water, this may not apply. As a coffee lover myself, I’ve had times where caffeine was my tool for alertness, focus, and productivity. Other times it was all that ran through my veins. Caffeine is not bad per se, however over time it can have unwanted effects. 

Caffeine works by giving you an adrenaline boost for alertness. That “gotta get things done” feeling. A boost of adrenaline also comes with a boost of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. If you’re like many Americans, chances are you’re already stressed. If you’re knocking back caffeine like there's no tomorrow, you’re likely adding stress on top of stress. The caffeine wears off, you need that “go to focus” feeling, and the cycle begins.  If you’re not drinking enough water, the effects are even worse. If you’ve gotten brain fog or jitters, that will sabotage your focus.

Naturally caffeine free drinks may be a healthy switch for investing in your health and focus. Many teas have beneficial properties like improved focus, immune support, or stress support. They’re a great source of hydration, vitamins, and minerals that are typically lacking in Western diets. 

Take a Break

You may be thinking: To get more done I need to do less? Yep! Have you ever noticed that when you step away from a task and come back to it, your mind is less dull? You may be able to focus better than if you were to just push through. If you’ve been writing for hours, try taking a short break. Watch a funny video. If time allows, make a meal, work out, or take a nap and then restart. You’ll enjoy renewed vigor, focus, and productivity. 

Work During Your Peak Hours

If your schedule allows, aim to be productive during your peak hours. This will naturally help your focus because you won’t be fighting against your body’s natural rhythm. Contrary to popular belief, not everyone works best on the first shift. 

Consider your ideal hours for deep work and for smaller tasks. As an example, you could have core working hours between 10am and 3pm. These can be your hours in which you get the most done. Add in some focus time for deep work. If you’re more alert in the late morning, schedule deep work for 11am to 12pm or 1pm. Save the afternoon for tasks that require less focus. Allow for a ‘miscellaneous’ block where you can wrap up what you're working on. 

It is totally “ok” if your peak hours are different from other people. If you are more nocturnal, prioritize your tasks around those energy bursts. And don’t feel bad about it either! Work with your body naturally to maximise your focus. Don’t force yourself to work against your natural rhythms if you don’t have to. 

Task Pairing

Task pairing is my favorite! Here’s why: Say you try working in a 45 minute burst. The last 15 minutes of the hour you do an activity you enjoy. Your brain knows there is only a short amount of time to get something done so you're less likely to have your mind wander and get distracted. You’re incentivized to keep your focus because you get to do something you want to do afterwards. 

Who doesn’t like being focused, being productive, and having fun? My go-to is typically a 45 minute focus block and 15 minutes of reading, video games, or a quick nap. If I’m behind on laundry, I’ll throw in a load. How can you break up the monotony of your day and improve your focus?

Which Tip Will You Choose To Improve Your Focus?

By now you’ve (hopefully) read all 5 tips. Thanks for hanging in there. You know what you just did. You focused! You can do it, you just did. Don’t overlook this small win. Keep up the momentum.  

Which tips are you looking to improve upon or give a try? As with anything new, take it easy and be patient learning about this part of yourself. Your newly focused self will thank you.